On a cold Prague night with drizzling rain and a temperature of around four degrees, Spain once again proved that victory for it is not an accident but a habit. Luis de la Fuente's team beat Czechia 0:2 and maintained a hundred-percent record in the Nations League, extending its unbeaten run in competitive matches to 44 games.
The goals were scored by Álex Baena from the penalty spot in the 39nd minute and Marc Pubill in stoppage time. Czechia played with ten men after Ladislav Krejčí was sent off, but even before that the Spaniards controlled the course of the match. Around 70 percent possession, 22 shots on goal and complete dominance in midfield — a familiar picture for the world champions.
Behind this victory lies not only the class of individual performers but also the depth of the squad. The absence of Oyarzabal, Yamal and other key players did not break the mechanism. De la Fuente once again proved that rotation is not a weakness but a tool. Pubill, who came on as a substitute, became a symbol: there are no random people in the team, everyone is ready to take responsibility at the decisive moment.
Psychologically, this run works like a shield. Opponents step onto the pitch already with the feeling that they are facing not just a strong national team but an almost impenetrable system. Czechia tried to press and use set pieces, but the Spaniards snuffed out threats well before they reached the danger zone. Krejčí's sending-off only accelerated the inevitable — a team confident in itself gives no chance for a comeback.
Imagine a chess grandmaster playing several games at once: he does not waste energy on each piece but sees the whole board at once. So it is with Spain — rotation and tactical flexibility allow it to stay fresh and focused even in the middle of the season.
Now everything will be decided on Sunday against England at the Metropolitano. A victory there will not only give first place in the group but also show how far the evolution of Spanish football has come. In a world dominated by money and stars, this national team reminds us that true strength lies in continuity, discipline and the ability to turn every game into a step toward something greater.
